TOWNtalk the podcast

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Latest Episodes:

Ep. 10: Community Education Coordinator for Stormwater Sammy Bauer Aug 30, 2023

Do you love exploring creeks and streams? Are you interested in being part of a team that monitors the water quality of local streams? Interim Communications Manager Christina Strauch sits down with Community Education Coordinator for Stormwater Sammy Bauer to chat about Sammy's love of playing in creeks and streams as a child. Sammy has channeled her passion for stream and creek health into a program that community members can be a part of: Stream Team.

Ep. 9: Senior Recreation Supervisor of Athletics Jonathan Ray Jun 28, 2023

What kind of athletics would you like to see Parks and Recreation offer? Curious about how you can volunteer your time to support athletic teams? Interim Communications Manager Christina Strauch sits down with Senior Recreation Supervisor of Athletics Jonathan Ray to chat about his role in the organization and how community members can learn about, engage with, and experience athletics in Chapel Hill.

Ep. 8: Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Michelle Daschner Apr 19, 2023

What does being prepared for an emergency mean? And what makes something an emergency? Those are questions for the Emergency Management Division of the Town of Chapel Hill. Learn about Michelle's background--from South African to Chapel Hill, and everywhere in between. Plus, what does preparedness mean to her?

Ep. 7: Solid Waste Operations Coordinator Fred Rogers Mar 29, 2023

If you're a resident of Chapel Hill in a single-family house, you likely interact with Fred Rogers and his crew at least once a week. After you roll your trash to the curb, where does it go? Listen and learn about the hardworking individuals who make this vital town service happen 52 weeks out of the year.

Ep. 6: Parking Enforcement Officer Venessa Sanders Mar 22, 2023

Born and raised in Chapel Hill, Venessa Sanders has seen how Chapel Hill has grown through the years. She says she's very proud to call it home. She brings her smiling face and positive attitude to downtown every day. When she took the job 27 years ago, she didn't know she's still be at it in 2023.

Ep. 5: Transit Crisis Counselor Troy Manns Mar 15, 2023

The Crisis Unit is fully staffed! That includes Transit Crisis Counselor Troy Manns. Public Information Officer Alex Carrasquillo talks with Troy about how his past experiences help him help others in need as he meets people where they are.

Ep. 4: Assistant Town Clerk Matthew DeBellis Mar 08, 2023

Public Information Officer Christina Strauch talks with Assistant Town Clerk Matthew DeBellis about the many duties he has with the Town of Chapel Hill. He also has a deep love for music. In fact, his band, Gallus Mag, is the featured artist on this episode from the Tracks Music Library.

Ep. 3: Transit Training Coordinator Tim Thorpe Feb 22, 2023

Communications Manager Ran Northam talks with Chapel Hill Transit Training Coordinator Tim Thorpe about growing up in Durham, careers in marketing, car and home sales, and eventually public transportation, and how a limp turned into a major medical overhaul. He says without the Town, he may not have been able to afford it.

Ep. 2: DEI Officer Shenekia Weeks Feb 15, 2023

Communications Manager Ran Northam talks with the Town's first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer Shenekia Weeks about growing up in NY, moving to NC before the age of 10, her pride in her HBCUs, and all the impacts in life that have led her to this point in time. What took her on the path to becoming a sworn law enforcement officer? What did she learn behind the badge that guided her into the next chapter? And just how cold is it in St. Louis?

Ep. 1: Interim Town Manager Chris Blue Feb 01, 2023

Communications Manager Ran Northam talks with Interim Town Manager Chris Blue about growing up in Chapel Hill, fulfilling his dream of becoming a Tar Heel, and what led him to become a Guardian of the Hill. His retirement was put on hold as the Town Council searches for the next permanent Town Manager. So what are his priorities in the first half of 2023?

Ep. 0: The Pilot Jan 27, 2023

We want to help you get to know the people behind the services of the Town of Chapel Hill. Whether you are a Town employee wanting to learn more about your colleagues or a community member curious about who is picking up your trash, driving your bus, or watching over your community, you've come to the right place.

In this introductory episode, you'll meet the hosts: Communications Manager Ran Northam, Public Information Officer (PIO) for Planning and Construction Christina Strauch, and PIO for Community Safety (Police and Fire) Alex Carrasquillo.

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